Bandsaw Blades

gk777 · Post by **gk777** » Wed Apr 09, 2008 3:52 pm

I am making some jigs for projects and using .25" plastic sheets.

Any suggestion on teeth per inch (TPI), width of blade and/or speed (RPM).

Thanks in advance.

Nick · Post by **Nick** » Wed Apr 09, 2008 7:47 pm

Use a 1/4"-wide, 18 tpi, standard grind blade or a 3/8"-wide, 14 tpi, standard grind blade running no faster than 750 fpm (feet per minute). On our bandsaw, that translates to an RPM of 286 -- you'd have to use the speed reducer. See "Using the Band Saw" by Nick Engler, pages 14 through 22, for more info.

With all good wishes,

paulmcohen · Post by **paulmcohen** » Thu Apr 10, 2008 2:53 am

Nick wrote:Use a 1/4"-wide, 18 tpi, standard grind blade or a 3/8"-wide, 14 tpi, standard grind blade running no faster than 750 fpm (feet per minute). On our bandsaw, that translates to an RPM of 286 -- you'd have to use the speed reducer. See "Using the Band Saw" by Nick Engler, pages 14 through 22, for more info.

With all good wishes,

I have the speed reducer, and bandsaw but never thought about using them together though I have melted some plastic with the blade going too fast even on "slow". Not nearly what I would have melted with another brand bandsaw. What an I missing, can I mount the speed reducer on the back?

gk777 · Post by **gk777** » Thu Apr 10, 2008 8:42 am

I was looking at the SS catalog for speed reducer. I do not see how you would connect the 2 together. The bandsaw and SS motor. Can someone post a picture or instructions? Do you need additional equipment to mount the 2 together?

Nick · Post by **Nick** » Thu Apr 10, 2008 12:09 pm

O ye of little faith. Just switch the positions of the nylon coupler (inside the "snout") and the power coupling hub.

[ATTACH]1227[/ATTACH]

Will reduce the speed of the band saw blade all the way down to 300 fpm. Useful for the belt sander and strip sander as well.

With all good wishes,

gk777 · Post by **gk777** » Thu Apr 10, 2008 12:12 pm

Great! Figured there was a way but since I didn't want to order one before I saw it and all I had to go on was the SS catalog picture, I could not figure it out. that helps a lot. Thanks again.

Ed in Tampa · Post by **Ed in Tampa** » Thu Apr 10, 2008 12:25 pm

Who would have thunk it????????

Only NICK!!!!!

a1gutterman · Post by **a1gutterman** » Thu Apr 10, 2008 9:56 pm

You know, I have two stand alone bandsaws that I can not slow the speed down on, so I will always be too fast for some types of cuts. If I ever have the need to slow my bandsaw down I will have a great excuse, er, reason to buy the SS bandsaw too!

charlese · Post by **charlese** » Thu Apr 10, 2008 10:04 pm

As one of little faith/knowledge, I thank you NICK!:D

I'm always amazed at the simple solutions hat I/we have not yet thought of.

paulmcohen · Post by **paulmcohen** » Fri Apr 11, 2008 12:58 am

Nick wrote:O ye of little faith. Just switch the positions of the nylon coupler (inside the "snout") and the power coupling hub.

[ATTACH]1227[/ATTACH]

Will reduce the speed of the band saw blade all the way down to 300 fpm. Useful for the belt sander and strip sander as well.

With all good wishes,

This is the stuff Shopsmith should be highlighting. At this speed you might even be able to cut metal with the correct blade.